Saucer News - Whole Number 38 - Vol 06 No 05 - 1959 12

Magazine Overview

SAUCER NEWS, Volume 6, Number 5 (Whole Number 38), published in December 1959, is the official publication of the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society. The issue features Kenneth Arnold on the cover, with the headline "THE MAN WHO STARTED IT ALL." The mailing address is P. O. Box 163, Fort Lee, N. J., and the editor is James W. Moseley.

Contents of this Issue

The issue includes Editorials, Letters to the Editor, Recent News Stories, a Book Review, and Feature Articles.

Editorials

Two main editorial points are discussed. Firstly, "SIX THOUSAND SAUCER CLIPPINGS FOR SALE": Due to inadequate staff and time, SAUCER NEWS Headquarters is selling its entire private collection of 40 scrapbooks, totaling approximately 6,000 clippings from 1954-1959. The price is high due to the cost of press clipping services. A 10% commission is offered for buyers found. The editorial reassures readers that this sale does not signify the cessation of SAUCER NEWS's publication.

Secondly, "ANOTHER ATTACK BY GRAY BARKER": The editorial addresses an attack by Gray Barker in his Saucerian Bulletin against Lonzo Dove and the editor, stemming from facts presented in the June SAUCER NEWS regarding Al Bender. Barker had quoted an Air Force letter implying the editor might be Captain James W. Mosley, but a subsequent letter clarifies they are two different persons. The editorial notes that Dove's response is on page 5, and Richard Ogden's letter defending Barker is on page 4. SAUCER NEWS aims to present both sides of controversies.

Major Keyhoe Threatens Lawsuit

The editorial details a threat of a lawsuit from Major Donald E. Keyhoe against SAUCER NEWS following Michael G. Mann's article in the September issue. SAUCER NEWS refuses to print a retraction, deeming Mann's article honest and factual, supported by letters from officials and scientists. The magazine leaves it to readers to judge the case, noting that Keyhoe apparently feels himself above criticism. A lengthy letter from Keyhoe is printed verbatim as an article on page 17, and a short letter from Mann is on page 7. The editorial suggests Keyhoe has not refuted Mann's points about "domes" on the Moon and a "moon bridge," citing scientists quoted by Mann who contradict Keyhoe.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters are included:

• Roy Stemman (President, London U.F.O. Research Organization) praises SAUCER NEWS as the best publication on the subject and hopes to produce a similar magazine in England called "U.F.O. Researcher."
• Jacob I. Apsel challenges anyone claiming contact with outer space entities to a test to prove that there are no space ships or entities from outer space.
• William Bateman describes a 42-day strict sacrificial fast during which he consumed only water and maintained a demanding work schedule, attributing his strength to God's help and calling it a miracle.
• Clark Bradford commends SAUCER NEWS for its improvement and for printing both sides of every question.
• Carlos Mentira expresses disgust with the September issue's cover, calling the magazine immoral and requesting an immediate subscription cancellation.

Letters Concerning the June Issue

• James Maney defends Gray Barker against Lonzo Dove's article, questioning Dove's interpretation of events related to Al Bender and the "Three Men in Black." Maney points out that Dove omitted words from Bender's letter, changing its meaning.
• Richard Ogden also defends Gray Barker, accusing Lonzo Dove of twisting facts regarding Al Bender's organization and the "Three Men." Ogden suggests Dove himself may have been responsible for turning Al Bender in.

Letters Concerning the September Issue

• David Cox calls the front cover illustration of the September 1959 issue the most interesting ever published.

Article Discussions from Letters

• Dr. Leon Davidson reviews the article by Bob Barry on the "Mysterious Airplane Crash" in the September issue. He notes the facts presented are consistent with an accidental collision with a U.S. device, and the "censorship" by the A.P.R.G. investigators is understandable due to fear of embarrassment. He expresses condolences to the families of the deceased airmen and criticizes the secrecy surrounding such accidents.
• Dr. Leon Davidson also comments on Michael G. Mann's article about Major Keyhoe. While agreeing that Keyhoe is not infallible, Davidson points out that Mann makes similar errors, such as harping on a misspelling. He states that the Air Force's replies to Mann's inquiries do not prove or disprove Keyhoe's veracity, as Keyhoe based his accounts on interviews and news stories, not solely official reports. Davidson suggests a need for a technical UFO journal to reduce dramatization and distortions.
• Frank J. Reid congratulates SAUCER NEWS on its arrangement and lack of advertisements. He praises Michael Mann's reports for being explicit and humorous.
• Mrs. Harry Kapreilian writes about Major Keyhoe's personal letter to her regarding her article. She states she made no libelous remarks and merely reviewed Keyhoe's book impartially. She questions why inquiries showed errors in his book and notes that Keyhoe's threat to be recalled to active duty is invalid as he is a retired Marine Corps officer. She also mentions learning that her informant was wrong about the Utica crash.

Book Review: "Secret Places of the Lion"

Reviewed by Y. N. ibn Aharon, B.D., S.T.M.

The review criticizes George Hunt Williamson's book "Secret Places of the Lion" for its "hallucinated and unsubstantiated treasure stories." The reviewer notes that Williamson implies initiation by a "Brother Philip" of the "Seven Rays" order, but that Williamson has been disowned by the real Order. The review highlights the book's alleged anti-Semitic Fascism and conspiracy theories, and its claim that historical figures like Pharoah Ankhen-Aton reincarnated as Socrates, Epictetus, Simon Peter, and William Lloyd Garrison. The reviewer finds the book to be a "ludicrous farce" and dismisses Williamson's claims about King David's chronology, calling them "specious claims."

Feature Articles

• "The Aerial Phenomena of Earthquakes" by Frank Reid: This article explores the connection between luminous phenomena and earthquakes. It references historical accounts, including a 1954 incident in Algeria preceding an earthquake and a 1930 earthquake in Idu, Japan, accompanied by lights. Professor I. Galli's 1910 study of 148 cases of luminous phenomena is mentioned, categorized into four classes. The author suggests this is a fertile field for UFO research, potentially offering clues to UFO nature, behavior, and propulsion. The article details the Idu, Japan case, citing observations from the Japan's Earthquake Research Institute and Dr. Charles Davison.

• "Do Flying Saucers Come from Space? (Part I)" by Justin Case: This article is not detailed in the provided pages, but its title suggests an exploration of the extraterrestrial origin of flying saucers.

• "A Reply to an Attack by James W. Moseley and Michael Mann - by Major Donald E. Keyhoe, Ret.": This article, beginning on page 17, is Keyhoe's response to criticisms, likely from Mann's article and potentially Moseley's editorial stance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue is characterized by significant internal debate and controversy within the ufology community. Editorials and letters engage with criticisms and defenses of various figures, including Gray Barker, Lonzo Dove, Al Bender, and Major Donald Keyhoe. The magazine positions itself as a platform for presenting multiple viewpoints, even in contentious situations, as stated in the editorial regarding the Keyhoe lawsuit and the defense of Lonzo Dove against Barker's attacks. There is a clear emphasis on factual reporting and critical analysis, as seen in the book review and the discussion of aerial phenomena related to earthquakes. The magazine also highlights the challenges of UFO research, including censorship and the need for more technical publications. The editorial stance appears to be one of fairness and open debate, while also expressing sympathy for certain positions and a desire to move beyond "misleading dramatization."

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: Newsletter #10
Volume: 1960
Publisher: The Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society (S.A.U.C.E.R.S.)
Country: USA
Language: English
Cover Headline: DO FLYING SAUCERS COME FROM SPACE? PART I

Article: Earthquake Lights and UFOs

The issue begins by detailing observations of luminous phenomena accompanying earthquakes, primarily focusing on cases in Japan. In the Tokyo Bay area, during an earthquake, observers reported lights resembling sheet-lightning, auroral streamers, searchlights, and fireballs, with colors ranging from pale blue to reddish-orange. These lights were seen within a significant area around the epicenter and persisted for some time after the quake. Importantly, there were no thunderstorms or high-voltage wires present, leading researchers like Messrs. Musya and Terada to conclude a connection with the earthquake, though the mechanism remained unexplained.

Case II describes the South Hyuga earthquake in Japan (Nov. 2, 1931), where luminous phenomena like lightning or searchlight beams were reported before, during, and after the quake, with no accompanying storms, fires, or landslides. Observations of what appeared to be meteors were also noted.

Case III covers the Bucharest, Rumania earthquake of Nov. 10, 1940. A blinding flash of blue light was reported as the first sign of the disaster, followed by violent shocks. Rev. Joseph J. Lynch, a seismographer, suggested these flashes might be related to the first wave of the earthquake, though this explanation is questioned for cases where lights appeared before or long after the quake.

Case IV details an earthquake in Nicosa, Cyprus (Jan. 20, 1941), which was accompanied by a bright flash and a deafening noise. A witness described a brilliant reddish object like a globular lightning moving eastward.

The article then synthesizes common characteristics of these phenomena, suggesting they are of the UFO type. These include association with epicentral areas, occurrence during violent earthquakes, and usually a bluish color (with the Nicosa case being an exception, showing reddish or yellowish colors). Scientists recognized the connection between these phenomena and earthquakes, with the Rumanian case suggesting the blue flash preceded the quake, possibly due to the "first wave."

The article speculates on why UFOs might be attracted to earthquakes, suggesting curiosity or a connection to the earth's gravitic field. It notes that mountains and geological formations can cause "gravity anomalies," which might be shifted during quakes. The possibility is raised that UFOs, using anti-gravity, might measure these changes and perhaps even cause earthquakes.

Article: DO FLYING SAUCERS COME FROM SPACE? PART I by Justin Case

This article explores the origin of flying saucers, beginning with an astronomical overview of our Solar System and the Milky Way Galaxy. It defines "interplanetary space" (within the Solar System), "interstellar space" (between stars), and "intergalactic space" (between galaxies).

The author contends that flying saucers are not Earth-made and proposes they are some form of space vehicle. The article then examines the conditions necessary for life: ample supplies of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen, and favorable temperatures (between about 140°F and -40°F).

• Each planet in the Solar System is analyzed:
• Mercury: Lacks atmosphere, extreme temperature variations, unsuitable for life.
• Venus: Thick clouds of carbon dioxide, surface temperatures near boiling point of water, no detectable oxygen or water vapor, unsuitable for life.
• Mars: Thin atmosphere, little water, arid surface, very cold climate, unsuitable for intelligent life.
• Asteroid Belt: Fragments of rock, no possibility for life.
• Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Pluto: Extremely cold temperatures, atmospheres containing poisonous gases like ammonia and methane, unsuitable for life.

Based on this analysis, the article concludes that flying saucers are not interplanetary because the necessary conditions for life are lacking on all planets and moons except Earth and possibly Mars. The author dismisses Earth and Mars as origins and thus eliminates all other places in interplanetary space.

The article addresses the scientific community's refusal to accept the interplanetary belief, stating there is no evidence to support it. It suggests that if UFOs are not interplanetary, then the scientific data about interplanetary space must be wrong, which is deemed improbable. The article mentions M. K. Jessup's theory that flying saucers inhabit the gravitational neutral of the Earth-Moon-Sun system but notes that no one has located them.

Article: A REPLY TO AN ATTACK BY JAMES W. MOSELEY AND MICHAEL G. MANN by Major Donald E. Keyhoe, Ret.

Major Donald E. Keyhoe responds to an attack by Michael G. Mann published in SAUCER NEWS, accusing Mann and the publication of making false, defamatory, and libelous statements. Keyhoe defends his report of the 1945 disappearance of Navy planes from Ft. Lauderdale Naval Air Station, stating that the Navy Department confirmed the base's existence and an inquiry into the disappearance.

He also refutes Mann's "investigation" of the Nov. 22, 1953 loss of an AF F-89 interceptor, which chased an unknown object over Lake Superior. Keyhoe provides evidence, including a Chicago Tribune clipping and letters, confirming the plane's disappearance after merging with an unknown object on radar. He addresses Mann's focus on a typo (calling Kinross AFB "Kimross") as a misdirection.

Keyhoe further defends his account of the July 1, 1954, crash of an F-94 jet, stating it was scrambled to investigate an "unknown" and experienced unexpected heat. He also defends his report of a burning road at Woodside, Calif., citing statements from the Fire Chief.

He criticizes Mann's use of Dr. Gerald Kuiper's comments on moon craters and Dr. Menzel's theories, suggesting Mann is misrepresenting or fabricating information. Keyhoe also clarifies the "moon bridge" story, attributing it to a transcript of a BBC interview with Sir H. Percy Wilkins.

Keyhoe demands that SAUCER NEWS send copies of his reply to all NICAP members and others who received Mann's attack, and requests a full retraction, reserving the right to initiate legal action.

Miscellaneous Notes and News Briefs

• Upcoming Issue: The March issue will feature articles on "How to Build a Saucer," an exposé of "Prince Neasom" by Michael G. Mann, and Part Two of Justin Case's article.
• Subscriber Offer: A beautifully bound set of SAUCER NEWS will be given to the 2,500th subscriber.
• Newsletter: Information on the "hush-up" of the "Long John" radio show is available in the Non-Scheduled Newsletter.
• Back Issues: A list of available back issues of SAUCER NEWS is provided, with pricing details.

RECENT NEWS STORIES:

• MILITARY AUTHORITIES CHECK SCORCHED AREA LEFT BY UFO: On Sept. 7th, near Flemingsburg, Kentucky, farmer Walter Ogden reported seeing a balloon-like object ascend rapidly and emit a blast of fire that scorched an area on his farm. Military authorities investigated, fenced off the area, and took soil samples, with a sheriff noting a "smell of fuel."

• PECULIAR INCIDENT ON LONG JOHN RADIO PROGRAM: On Aug. 24th, the "Long John" radio show on WOR was mysteriously cut off the air during a discussion of flying saucers. A later news release claimed an order from management to switch to music, but investigation revealed no such order was made.

• NEWS BRIEFS:
• An unidentified object fell in Midkiff, West Virginia, on Sept. 13th, described as "pretty good sized" and "quivering."
• The Second Annual Northern California Spacecraft Convention was held near San Francisco.
• Crew members of a Pan-American flight sighted a luminous object resembling a high-altitude rocket burning out over the atmosphere on Sept. 22nd.
• Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Evans reported a "wild saucer story" in Medford, Oregon, on July 21st.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SAUCER NEWS revolve around the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs) and their potential connections to other unusual events, such as earthquakes. The publication appears to lean towards the belief that UFOs are real and not of terrestrial origin, actively seeking explanations beyond conventional science. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and eyewitness accounts while also engaging in debates and critiques within the UFO research community, as evidenced by Major Keyhoe's defense of his work. There is a clear emphasis on presenting evidence, even if speculative, and challenging established scientific or governmental explanations. The publication also seems to foster a sense of community among its readers through its newsletter and back issue offers.

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: 21
Date: August 1959

This issue of SAUCER NEWS presents a collection of recent and historical UFO sightings and related news, focusing on reports from August 1959. It includes detailed accounts of sightings, brief news items concerning individuals involved in the UFO community, and a historical report from 1881.

SAUCERS OVER WASHINGTON TOWN FOR THREE HOURS

On the night of August 24th, Bremerton, Washington, experienced a prolonged UFO sighting lasting over three hours. Witnesses observed numerous winking and blinking bright lights that appeared to be part of a single object. The lights changed color from red to green to blue and remained almost stationary in the sky. Local police were alerted, and several officers obtained a clear view of the object, which was estimated to be at a very high altitude of 40,000 to 50,000 feet. A deputy sheriff reported the sighting to civil defense headquarters, which was supposed to notify nearby McChord Air Base. However, a mix-up prevented McChord from receiving the information promptly. The article notes that McChord is the same field near where a mysterious air crash, previously reported in SAUCER NEWS, occurred, an incident that was reportedly subject to secrecy and censorship.

SAUCER LANDS IN NEW YORK STATE

On August 4th, in Gloversville, New York, three witnesses observed a peculiar event in broad daylight. They saw a "contraption that looked like a big boat" take off from an empty field behind a boarding house. One witness described the object as approximately four feet high and as large as a garage, covered with brownish-green canvas. At the landing site, investigators found a strip of limp black rubber about a foot long and a two-foot-long strip of aluminum. A close examination of the area revealed that the grass had been pressed down where the UFO had taken off.

SAUCER BRIEFS

This section provides several short news items:

• Howard Menger: A news clipping from August 17th reports that Howard Menger was released from jail after paying $529 in back alimony to his first wife. Menger had previously divorced his first wife to marry Marla Baxter, author of "My Saturnian Lover."
• Otis T. Carr: Otis T. Carr, known for his unsuccessful OTC X-1 flying machine, was arraigned in an Oklahoma City district court on August 14th. He had waived a preliminary hearing. Carr, along with Wayne Aho and another member of the Carr organization, were released on $1,000 bail each.
• George Williamson Lecture: An article announcing a George Williamson lecture in Phoenix, Arizona, on August 17th, is highlighted. The headline "College Professor Talks to Flying Saucer Group" is noted, with the publication expressing skepticism about Williamson's credentials, suggesting that if newsmen still believe he is a college professor, their previous exposes of "Dr." Williamson have been largely ineffective.

DETAILED SIGHTING IN PENNSYLVANIA

Mrs. Arlene Conley of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, reported an unusual saucer sighting on the afternoon of August 17th. While doing chores in her backyard, she observed a large, square metallic object that appeared to have its own light. The object was moving slowly between two layers of clouds and left no vapor trail, making no noise. Mrs. Conley estimated the object to be three times the size of a large airplane would appear at the same height. The UFO was square, with one corner pointed toward the earth, and its body was parallel to the ground, extending between opposite corners. She noted that the sides joining the upper and lower points seemed less solid than the main body, describing it as "very strange" and "not of the same consistency all over." She was informed that the U.S. Space Agency had launched a large sodium flare that morning, but insisted her sighting was different, as her observation occurred in the afternoon, while the flare had been launched at 5:18 a.m. and its trail was visible for only half an hour.

SAUCER LANDING IN TEXAS

An event similar to sightings from November 1957 occurred near Angelton, Texas, on the night of August 20th. Randy Chandler and his girlfriend were driving on a farm road when they saw a "dirigible-shaped object" with rows of lights, presumably windows, from front to rear. As the UFO passed over their car, the motor died and the headlights went out. Chandler estimated the object was about 400 feet above the car. Another couple, Mr. and Mrs. Orville Shanks, also stopped to watch. The group observed the object land in a pasture not far from the highway. When Chandler and his companion returned about 45 minutes later, the UFO was still in the same spot.

OUTSTANDING SIGHTING FROM THE YEAR 1881

This section presents a historical account from an 1881 Santa Fe, New Mexico, newspaper, reprinted recently. The story describes an event that occurred shortly after the arrival of a train from Santa Fe. The operator and friends were startled by voices coming from above. Looking up, they saw a large balloon approaching rapidly from the west. The voices became clearer but were unintelligible, with loud shouts in an unknown language, seemingly trying to attract attention. The construction of the balloon was described as entirely different from anything seen before, being in the shape of a fish. At one point, it was low enough for fanciful characters on the car to be seen. The air machine appeared to be under full control, guided by a large fan-like apparatus. The balloon was described as monstrous in size, and the car was estimated to contain eight or ten persons.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings across different regions of the United States, the variety in reported object shapes and behaviors, and the occasional interference with electronic devices. The publication also maintains a critical stance towards media reporting on UFO-related figures like George Williamson and highlights perceived secrecy surrounding certain incidents, such as the air crash near McChord Air Base. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting and disseminating these reports, while also questioning official explanations and media coverage.